What is the Most Efficient Photo Printer?

[HSakols]

I never really print bigger than 17 inches wide, but I'm looking for a printer that is efficient with regards to ink consumption.  Is something like the Epson 7890 more efficient than say an epson 3880? 

Also what is the difference between the epson 7890 and the epson 7900? 

[Czornyj]

I never really print bigger than 17 inches wide, but I'm looking for a printer that is efficient with regards to ink consumption.  Is something like the Epson 7890 more efficient than say an epson 3880?  

Also what is the difference between the epson 7890 and the epson 7900?  

iPFx400 - it uses ~30% less ink than SPx900. No to mention the fact tha it uses much, much less ink for maintenance.

[hugowolf]

I never really print bigger than 17 inches wide, but I'm looking for a printer that is efficient with regards to ink consumption.  Is something like the Epson 7890 more efficient than say an epson 3880? 

No, they will use about the same amount of ink. The ink costs are less for the larger printer, because the cartridges are larger so you pay less per milliliter. You are essentially buy ink in bulk. Instead of 80 ml, you are buying 150, 350, or 700 ml cartridges.

Also what is the difference between the epson 7890 and the epson 7900? 

Orange and green inks. Slightly larger gamut, unless you are using a RIP that can better utilize the two extra inks, then you can get greater print longevity. The yellow ink fades faster than the others, so using O or G instead of Y to make a color, when that is possible, helps with fading.

Brian A

[dseelig]

But epson dring ink even when not being used. Get an Hp z 3200 so cheap on ink and if a head gets clogged it is cheap to replace.

[felix5616]

Z3200, super cheap on ink

[Czornyj]

Z3200, super cheap on ink

Canon's Lucia EX ink in 700ml carts for iPF8400 is much cheaper (0,35$ vs 0,5$)

[shadowblade]

When making large prints - particularly on paper - the cost of ink is probably the least of your concerns.

You can probably print a few rolls of 44" paper border-to-border (ink costs only) for the same price as framing a single 16x24" print on acid-free cotton matboard, with an acid-free back board and behind UV-blocking, antireflection-coated acrylic.